Company DescriptionITOCHU Corporation trades and imports/exports various products worldwide. The Textile segment produces and sells raw materials, threads, and textiles; and garments, home furnishings, and industrial materials. Its Machinery segment engages in the plants, bridges, railways, and other infrastructure; power generation, transmission, transformation, and electricity sale; water, environment and waste-related; trading of ships, aircraft, automobiles, construction and industrial machinery, machine tools, environmental equipment, electronic devices, and related equipment; renewable and alternative energy; and waste recycling businesses. The Metals & Minerals segment develops metal and mineral resource; processes steel products; trades iron ore, coal, pig iron and ferrous raw materials, non-ferrous and light metals, steel products, nuclear fuels, and greenhouse gas emissions; and recycles and waste treatment activities. Its Energy & Chemicals segment trades in crude oil, petroleum product, LPG, LNG, natural gas, hydrogen, organic and inorganic chemicals, functional food, synthetic resins, semiconductors, packaging materials, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electronic materials, as well as engages in the solar and biomass power generation, electricity trading, and the energy storage cell businesses. The Food segment produces, distributes, and retails food products. Its General Products & Realty segment produces and sells paper, pulp, natural rubber, tire, and building products and materials; develops, sells, leases, and operates real estate properties, such as housing, logistics facilities, and other projects; and offers logistics services. The ICT & Financial Business segment offers IT, Internet related and venture capital; distributes mobile telephone devices; and BPO, medical and healthcare, space/ satellite, IP content, digital marketing, and financial, reinsurance, and insurance brokerage services. The company was founded in 1858 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
How the Company Makes MoneyItochu generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily by acting as an intermediary in international trade, selling products sourced from manufacturers to customers worldwide. The company earns income from its trading operations, which include the import and export of goods across various sectors. Additionally, Itochu invests in joint ventures and partnerships that allow it to participate in resource development, such as energy and mining projects. Significant revenue also comes from its retail operations, where it sells consumer goods directly to the public. The company benefits from strategic alliances with both domestic and international firms, enhancing its product offerings and market position. Furthermore, Itochu's investment activities, including private equity and venture capital, contribute to its earnings, leveraging its extensive network to identify and capitalize on lucrative opportunities.